Dietary Fibres

Dietary fibres are a form of complex carbohydrates, made up of soluble and insoluble fibres depending upon their solubility in water. They are also considered to be rich in other nutrients such as beta-carotene, protein, phenolic compounds etc. Dietary fibres exhibit several health benefits and possess functional properties. They cannot be digested therefore, are utilized by gut microflora for fermentation which leads to their prebiotic beneficial effects. They are mainly present in plant cell wall, forming different layers. They can be extracted from fruit peels depending on their usability. They can be added to various food products to enhance their nutritive, sensory and textural quality.